Category: Shopping

2017 Gifts Under $5

Under 5

The Holiday season is upon us and I am a firm believer that you don’t have to break the bank when it comes to shopping for loved ones or participating in the office or Facebook grab bag.  The Holidays have become a time of giving and receiving and far too often we overdue it and end up going into the New Year stressed because we maxed out all of our credit cards, or borrowed to make the a happy holiday.

For me the Holidays are more about making plans to be and do better in the next year, spending time with people I don’t get to spend ‘quality’ time with during the year, and to just sit back relax drink hot chocolate with marshmallows or hot apple cider and enjoy those who I love.

However I think we all find ourselves giving or wanting to give, even if it is just a small token of appreciation to those who mean something to us.  I love giving gifts just to brighten someone’s day and to lift the spirit of those who may struggle during this time of year.  So this year I have created a series of gift guides for the budget conscious holiday shopper.  Come back everyday over the next week to see what I have come up with.  There are some great, affordable options available.  Here we go…

  1.  Miss A Makeup Bags  $1 (shopmissa.com)

So I came across this website shopmissa.com. They have THE CUTEST makeup bags. Actually they have a LOT of cute items on their website and the best thing….. most items start at $1. Holiday shopping doesn’t get any better than a cute, trendy, makeup bag for $1.  There are literally many styles to choose from.  These were just some of my favorites.  Ad as you can see they bags can hold quite a bit of your daily makeup items.

2.  Grass Blade Pen Set $4.99 (Amazon.com link here)

Grass blade pen

For the person who likes unusual gifts, or the nature lover, these grass blade pens would be a great addition to any office or home office.  You can find your own decorative holder to store your pens, but this is definitely not your average Christmas gift.

3.  Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate Gift Set $4.99 (Target.com)

Swiss Miss Under 5

What better way to spend the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, than with some Hot Chocolate.  This Hot Chocolate set comes in a variety of flavors and each tin contains 6 individual packets of Hot Chocolate.  Why not help someone experiment with a different flavor, such as the Caramel Cream (pictured above).

4.    Burts Bee’s Gift Set $4.99 (Target.com)

Burts Bees Under 5

We all need extra protection for our lips and hands this time of the year and Burt’s Bee’s is a trusted brand to help with just that.  This is also a great time to find Burt’s Bee’s in gift sets at a somewhat lower price than usual.  Who doesn’t need any lip balm or lotion this time of the year?

5.  Beauty Blender Holder $1 (shopmissa.com)

Blender holder

For the makeup lover you know, this holder for your beauty blender is the a great way to store the tool during makeup application.  A great way to keep foundation and other beauty products off of your countertops and towels, this tool is a great way to keep your beauty blender within reach.

6.  Multi Tool Key Chain $1-$4.99 (Amazon.com here and here)

While not the most glamorous gifts on the list, every girl needs some tools in her life.  You never know when you may need a screwdriver or better yet a bottle opener.  Even if you don’t have this item attached to your key ring, (it’s not that fashionable) it is still a great item to have in your home or in your car.  So why not buy one for yourself and for a friend.

7.  Sunglass Case $1 (shopmissa.com)

sunnies

Who doesn’t like nice cases to keep their sunglasses in?  If you are like me with waaayyyy too many pairs of sunglasses a cute fashionable case to throw in your purse or work bag would make a great gift.  Again, Miss A has all of your cute, low cost accessories which also make great gifts.

8.  Multi Tool Pen $4 (www.kikkerland.com)

copper penFor the business professional or the person who likes collecting unusual pens, this would be a great gift. Also great for the handy person this tool includes a level and a screwdriver.  This could be a great option for a dad or significant other as well.   How handy, and its cute.

9.  West Elm Glass Bud Vases $4 (www.westelm.com)

recycled-glass-bud-vases-o

A great addition to a home or office, these recycled glass bud vases from West Elm offer a nice touch to a space.  Great for a grab bag, holiday exchange or co-worker, this is an excellent gift that won’t break the budget.

10. Words to Love By Notebook $5 (ulta.com)

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I love pretty journals and notebooks.  No list of mine would be complete without one.  Here is a nice beautiful journal from Ulta.  Great for the glam girl on your list who loves to write things down.

The holidays do not have to be a time where you stress about spending.  You can purchase amazing gifts without breaking the budget.  I hope this guide helps you to see that.  These items can be given as gifts individually or purchased in a grouping to provide a nice holiday gift basket or gift grouping.  Stay tuned tomorrow for gifts under $10.  Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

 

Be Blessed! Be Fabulous!

pink-lips

 

My Crush on Lush

new-lush-logo

So a few years ago I received a Christmas present from my bestie.  It was a Bath Bomb Bath Knot from Lush, and I have been in love ever since.  Lush has an array of skin, hair and body products, for the entire family.  There store is addictive and you can leave with bags of items to take home and explore and the items can make you feel as if you are on an exploration.  I suggest beginning with a single bath bomb and allow the experience to grow from that point forward.

lushknot

A few months ago I was working with a professional makeup artists and we began discussing our skin and our skin care regimens.  I have always had problem skin, one product may work for a short period of time and then the breakouts would return.  The makeup artist explained that she had similar experiences and that she had found great success using Lush products.  So after just buying the bath bombs for years, I decided to try Lush for my facial needs.

Lush Shampoo

She suggested that I try the Herbalism facial wash, the Tea Tree toner and the Enzymion moisturizer.  Well that combination did not quite work for me.  The Herbalism is awesome, I tried several other toners and found that Eau Roma Water worked best as a toner and Vanishing Cream was the best moisturizer for my skin.  I have been using this combination for a few months now and I am noticing a ig difference in my skin.  My breakouts are becoming more and more infrequent and the oiliness is balancing out.  Recently I have added the Ocean Salt scrub a few days a week just as a kind of in home facial a few times a week and it has wonderful effects.

Lushsamples

One of the best things about Lush is that they allow you to sample their skin, hair and body products before buying.  Since you are making an investment, taking care of your skin is an investment, it is great that you have the opportunity to essentially, try before you buy.  This was a great way of helping me to find out what worked best for me.   A great thing about the samples is that it is an ample sample size.  The samples are not single use; they provide enough of a sample for you to actually have the opportunity to experience the product.  Lush totally wins in this department. You can also return items that do not work for you, another win for Lush.

Lush-Feature-Photo-Final

If there is a Lush near you I suggest that you just go in and take a look around.  I also suggest that you purchase at least one bath bomb to unwind and have a great relaxing bath at the end of a stressful week.  My favorite bath bomb is the Sex Bomb.  Not only because it is my favorite color, pink, but it smells amazing.  After soaking in this bath bomb you are also left feeling smooth and soft.  But they have several other bombs to choose from so I would suggest making a choice that is in line with your needs and bathing preferences.

If you get a chance, stop by your nearest Lush and browse the store and see what works for you.  If you are experiencing problems with your hair, skin or body (eczema, psoriasis) then find out what products they have that may assist you with that issue.  They also have a lavender infused lotion called Dream Cream that help promote calm and sleep.  So there is something in the store for everyone.  There are even bubbles for the kids.  I encourage you to go to the site and see how their products are all natural and use natural ingredients.  A big boost for those who are more eco conscious.  Again go and check them out and you will find out why I have a Crush on Lush!.